Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (Prasarana), the asset and project owner for the multi-billion ringgit LRT Line Extension Project (LEP), today officially launched project as it lifted the first set of the 14,692 Segmental Box Girders (SBGs) that would by the end of 2014 link Kelana Jaya and Sri Petaling to Putra Heights.

Performed by Prasarana’s Group Managing Director Dato’ Shahril Mokhtar and closely watched by a high-powered Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) delegation that was led by its director-general Dato’ Ir. Dr. Johari Basri, the ceremony to announce a campaign of ‘Bringing Transport Convenience Closer to You’ was held at Station 2 of the Kelana Jaya Line in Subang.

For Ampang Line, similar works of putting together the SBG blocks to provide platform for the laying of the track will commence in the middle of this month.

Weighing 25 tonnes and handled with care and precision, the first block was lifted at 12.15am to the applause of attending guests that included key officials from Prasarana, Opus Ace Vector, which is the project consultant for the project and main contractors, Trans Resources Corporation and Sunway Construction for the Kelana Jaya Line; and Bina Puri Holdings and MRCB for the Ampang Line.

“This is a historical moment. Not just for us at Prasarana; but to the nation,” said Shahril, who also declared his pleasure that Prasarana’s sentiments was also shared by Filem Negara Malaysia, which had a team at the worksite to record the historical moments.

“I am made to understand that Filem Negara Malaysia will be making a documentary on this LEP project and be keeping it as among its achieves in the interest of our future generations. I think it is only appropriate in view of the significance of the project for the livelihood of Malaysians.

While the extended Kelana Jaya Line will see a total of 6,592 segmental box girders lining up to form an additional 17-km elevated track; sitting on 620 piers and dotted by 12 new stations; the additional 17.7-km Ampang Line will use 8,100 SGBs; supported by 650 piers and 11 new stations.

Listed as one of the key initiatives under the National Key Result Areas (NKRA) blueprint, the LEP is a major effort by the Government in transforming the country’s public transport services that has been entrusted on Prasarana. It also includes the upgrading of KL Monorail’s stations and expansion of its fleet as well as upgrading of the public bus services.

“Without any shred of doubt, the effect of the LEP will be life-changing. Not only will it enhance mobility for people in the Klang Valley; but also in terms of their economic well-being. With enhanced mobility, there will be increased productivity and earnings for the people.

“The project will also be a catalyst for economic development along the alignment especially at the new stations and its surrounding areas. Business opportunities and new jobs will be created. Property value will increase … the LEP will provide an across the board returns for people at all levels. It will create a chain reaction on business opportunities,” added Shahril.

In implementing the LEP project, Shahril said, Prasarana had already issued out contracts worth over RM4.5 billion ringgit and that, he said, has effectively provided a massive boost to the national economy especially in the generation of jobs and side businesses.

“Except for four more work packages, we have already awarded out all the contracts for the project. I am happy to say that the project is right on track and we will be delivering this project to the people as scheduled by the end of 2014 … Insya-Allah,” Shahril said.

The remaining four work packages are for Ampang Line and they are for the supply of Light Rail Vehicle, construction of Station 12, supply and management of the access card and the Engineering Procurement Construction contract.

The new LEP lines – a 17 km elevated track extending from Kelana Jaya Station to Putra Heights and another 17.7km alignment from Sri Petaling Station to Putra Heights – support the existing LRT lines of Ampang and Kelana Jaya, which serve some 300,000 people daily since they commenced operations in 1996 and 1998 respectively.

Being a project of national interest and for the benefit of the people, Shahril appealed for close cooperation and support from all parties especially residents affected by the construction works.

“We fully understand that in carrying out this project and in the construction of all the required facilities, it is going to cause disruption to traffic and also noise as well. We fully understand the inconvenience and discomfort that the residents will need to endure.

“But, in the interest of better things for the future, I humbly appeal for your kind understanding and cooperation. We aim to cut your inconvenience to the minimum level and your discomfort to the shortest time possible.

“This is a project of bringing transport convenience to you. We aim to complete this project as swift as possible; but with strict adherence to all the safety standards as set by the DOSH,” said Shahril, who had earlier attended a special safety briefing for the project that was also attended by DOSH key officials and the contractors.

Speaking at the briefing, Shahril said that Prasarana will leave no stones unturned on the subject of safety for the workers and members of the public during the duration of the project.

“On behalf of Prasarana, I would like to thank you DOSH for their support for the project. Prasarana will be working closely with DOSH to ensure all safety requirements are closely adhered to. We will approach this project with zero tolerance on any layback attitude and negligence on the subject of safety,” Shahril added.